BS1377: 1990

ASTM

- British Standard Methods of test for Soils for civil engineering purposes
- American Society for Testing and Materials

Method Outline
Moisture Content BS1377: 1990, Part 2, Method 3.2
The determination of moisture content (MC) is by oven-drying at 105C to 110C, usually for a period of 12 to 24
hours. For peat and higher organic soils, a lower drying temperature of 80C is used. The moisture content is the
amount of water in soil expressed as a proportion by mass of the dry solid particles.
Sample Drying BS1377: 1990, Part 1, Method 7.3.4
(a) Oven drying:

105C to 110C to constant mass.

(b) Air/oven drying:

natural air drying or 50C 2.5C partial drying in a fan-assisted oven.

Speedy Moisture Content ASTM D4944

This is a supplementary rapid test for field determination of moisture content by using a calcium carbide gas
pressure tester. The amount of soil water reacting with the calcium carbide (absorbent) is expressed as a
proportion over the wet weight of soil.
The moisture content (w) and speedy tester (s) reading relationship is given by a derived equation:

Moisture content, w

100 s
100 - s

Preparation of Disturbed Sample for Testing - BS1377: 1990, Part 1, Method 7.7
This procedure covers preparation of test specimens for strength, compressibility and permeability tests. The
bulk density obtained or calculated is based on the required dry density. Test specimen is compacted at the
specified moisture content into a mould to achieve the specified dry density.
Atterberg Limits BS1377: 1990, Part 2, Method 4 & 5
The Atterberg limits refer to the liquid limit (LL) and plastic limit (PL) only, together with the plasticity index (PI).
The LL and PL are determined by method 4.4 - cone penetrometer and method 5 respectively while the PI is
calculated from the equation, PI = LL-PL (method 5.4). Whenever possible, these tests are carried out on soils in
their natural states (as received) without drying. When material retained on 425m test sieve need to be
removed, this can be done in one of three ways:
a) Air drying at 50C and sieving
b) Open air drying and sieving
c) passing the soil through the sieve in a natural state mixed with water to a higher moisture content.
Bulk Density BS1377:1990, Part 2, Method 7.2
The determination of the density is by linear measurement of undisturbed soil sample, including specimens
prepared for other tests, such as triaxial and consolidation tests. The samples used are normally in the form of
right cylinders. The dry density, d is derived as follows:
where,
100
= bulk density
d
100 w
w = moisture content
Particle Size Distribution BS1377: 1990, Part 2, Method 9.2, 9.3 & 9.5
Two definitive methods of sieving (wet and dry) and one quantitative method of sedimentation by hydrometer are
outlined. Wet sieving (Method 9.2) is applicable to composite soils of gravel-sand (coarse grained) and silt-clay
(fine grained) mixtures as a procedure to separate the coarse (for dry sieving) and fines (for sedimentation) if
required. Dry sieving (Method 9.3) is suitable only for coarse-grained cohesionless soils (insignificant silt and
clay). Hydrometer (Method 9.5) is for determination of the size distribution of fine-grained soils (silt and clay).
The density of the soil suspension at various intervals is measured. The test is not usually necessary for less
than 10% of material passing 63m (or <20% as in most requirements). A composite test of sieving and
sedimentation methods will enable a continuous particle size distribution of gravel, sand, silt and clay to be
plotted.
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Particle Density (Specific Gravity) BS1377: 1990, Part 2, Method 8.3

The method used is to weigh the oven dried soil and then shake it up with water in a container of constant
volume so that the weight of water displaced by the sample can be measured. A small 50ml density bottle
(pyknometer) with stopper is used to determine the particle density.
Laboratory Vane Shear Test (VST) - BS1377: 1990, Part 7, Method 3
This test is carried out on undisturbed samples of soft to firm (20~75 kPa) cohesive soil to measure shear
strength without having to remove it from its container or sampling tube. A standard 12.7 mm x 12.7 mm square
blade is used with any of four (different stiffness) calibrated open-coil torsion springs. The sample is sheared by
hand operated or motorised turning of the vane at a rate of 6 /min to 12 /min. The shear reading (Torque) is
recorded by the maximum angular deflection of the selected torsion spring and the angle of rotation of the vane
at failure. The vane constant and the maximum angle at failure are considered in the calculation of the shear
strength.
Unconfined Compression Test (UCT) BS1377: 1990, Part 7, Method 7
This test is carried out on a cylindrical specimen of undisturbed soil sample. The axial force is the only force
applied to the specimen. A strain rate of 1.2mm/min is selected based on the criteria that failure of the sample is
to be produced within a period of 5 to 15 minutes. The compressive stress of the specimen at failure is referred to
as the unconfined compressive strength, qu (in kPa). The common specimen sizes are 72 x 144mm height, 70
x 140mm height, 50 x 100mm height and 38 x 76mm height.
Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial (UU) BS1377: 1990, Part 7, Method 8
This test is carried out on a cylindrical specimen of undisturbed soil sample without the measurement of pore
water pressures in a triaxial cell and compression machine system. The confining pressure is imposed on the
tests specimens at the start of the shearing stage. A strain rate of 1.2mm/min is selected based on the criteria
that failure of the sample is to be produced within a period of 5 to 15 minutes. No drainage is permitted and
stresess that are measured represent the sum of the intergranular stresses and pore water pressures (total
stress). From a set of tests on 2 or 3 specimens, Mohr circles of total stress at failure can be plotted. The
cohesion and shear angle values can also be determined. The common specimen sizes are 72 x 144mm
height, 70 x 140mm height, 50 x 100mm height and 38 x 76mm height.
Consolidated Undrained (CU) - BS1377: 1990, Part 8, Method 7
This test is carried out on a cylindrical specimen of undisturbed soil sample with the measurement of pore water
pressures in a triaxial cell and compression machine system. The specimen is allowed to saturate and
consolidated under the applied confining and back pressures prior to the start of the test. The volume change is
monitored by measuring the water and/or air expelled during the saturation to consolidation stage. Once
consolidation is completed, the sample is then isolated from the back pressure and no drainage is permitted
during the shearing test. The calculated rate of strain can be as slow as 0.032mm/min to measure the pore
water pressures and stresses. From a set of tests on 3 specimens, Mohr circles of effective stress and total
stress at failure can be plotted. The effective cohesion and effective shear angle values can also be
determined. The common specimen sizes are 72 x 144mm height, 70 x 140mm height, 50 x 100mm height
and 38 x 76mm height.
Consolidated Drain (CD) - BS1377: 1990: Part 8: Method 8
The sample is allowed to saturate and consolidated under the applied confining and back pressures prior to the
start of the test. The volume change is monitored by measuring the water and/or air expelled during the
saturation to consolidation stage. Once consolidation is completed, the back pressure remains connected to the
sample and drainage is permitted during the shearing test at sufficiently slow strain rates to avoid the
development of excess pore pressures. The calculated rate of strain can be as slow as 0.015mm/min to
measure the pore water pressures, stresses and volume changes. From a set of tests on 3 specimens, Mohr
circles of effective stress and total stress at failure can be plotted. The effective cohesion and effective shear
angle values can also be determined. The common specimen sizes are 72 x 144mm height, 70 x 140mm
height, 50 x 100mm height and 38 x 76mm height.

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Shear Box Test - Drained Test - BS 1377: Part 7: 1990, Method 4 (small shearbox apparatus)
In the direct shear test, a prism of soil is laterally restrained and sheared along a mechanically induced horizontal
plane while subjected to a pressure applied normal to that plane. The shearing resistance offered by the soil as
one portion is made to slide on the other is measured at regular intervals of displacement. Failure occurs when
the shearing resistance reaches the maximum value which the soil can sustain.
By carrying out tests on a set of (usually three) similar specimens of the same soil under different normal
pressures, the relationship between measured shear stress at failure and normal applied stress is obtained.
The small shearbox apparatus (60mm square or 100mm square and 20mm high) can be used for carrying out
drained tests for the determination of effective strength parameters. The test specimen is consolidated under a
vertical normal load until the primary consolidation is completed. It is then sheared at a rate of displacement that
is slow enough to prevent development of excess pore pressures.
1-D Consolidation BS1377: 1990, Part 5, Method 3
This test is carried out on a 50mm x 20mm height undisturbed sample in a consolidation apparatus. The loading
pressures in kPa are 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600. The unloading pressures are 400 kPa, 100
kPa and 12.5 kPa. Readings are normally taken over a standard duration of 24 hours per loading/unloading. For
example a test of 7 loadings and 3 unloadings will take 10 days.
For optional determination of secondary consolidation it might not be practical to prolong all the 7 loadings for up
to 48 hours per loading (14 days for 7 loadings). It would then take 17 days to complete (including 3 days for 3
unloading). The suggestion is to specify extra over day(s) for one critical pressure (usually close to the
overburden pressure or design pressure). The accuracy of secondary consolidation for 24 hours compared with
48 hours or more as derived from the settlement versus time relationship plot of t50 could be a concern but it is a
matter of specific requirement. If a selective pressure for prolong loading is not chosen, it might be necessary to
fit the necessity to prolong the duration of a load to establish a linear relationship (Method 3.6.5.2) to the best
effort.
Compaction-related Tests, Proctor BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 3
This laboratory test covers the determination of the dry density of soil passing a 20mm test sieve when it is
compacted in a specified manner. It can be carried out on samples prepared in a mould at a moisture-point or
over a range of moisture contents (about 5 points). For the latter, the relationship between the dry densities and
moisture contents are presented to determine the optimum moisture content (OMC) at which the maximum dry
density (MDD) is obtained. The specific methods are as follows:
(a) 2.5 kg Rammer (Proctor)
1.0L mould, medium gravel, 27 blows, 3 layers
2.3L mould, coarse gravel, 27 blows, 3 layers

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 3.3

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 3.4

(b) 4.5 kg Rammer (Modified Proctor)

1.0L mould, medium gravel, 27 blows, 5 layers
2.3L mould, coarse gravel, 27 blows, 5 layers

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 3.5

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 3.6

Compaction-related Tests, CBR BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 7

This laboratory test covers the determination of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR). It is an empirical test to
estimate bearing values of highway sub-bases and sub-grades for design of base thickness. The compaction test
procedures are similar to the laboratory Proctor test but the mould used is 2.3 Litre. The dynamic compaction
methods used to achieve a specified compactive effort are as follows:
(a) 2.5 kg Rammer
2.3L mould Unsoaked CBR, 62 blows, 3 layers
2.3L mould Soaked CBR, 62 blows, 3 layers

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 7.2.4.4

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 7.2.4.4 & 7.3

(b) 4.5 kg Rammer

2.3L mould Unsoaked CBR, 62 blows, 5 layers
2.3L mould Soaked CBR, 62 blows, 5 layers

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 7.2.4.4

- BS1377: 1990, Part 4, Method 7.2.4.4 & 7.3

CBR can be carried out on samples prepared in a mould at a moisture-point or over a range of moisture contents
(about 5 points). For the latter, the sensitive of the CBR values to the variation in dry densities and moisture
contents could be determined. The penetration test (Method 7.4) could be done on both top and bottom of
sample in the test mould mounted to a test frame (motorised or mechanical hand jacking device) at a strain rate
of 1 mm/min.
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In-situ Test, Sand Replacement - BS1377: 1990, Part 9, Method 2

This Field Density Test (FDT) is the most widely used method for determining the in-situ density of
earthworks/backfill layers by direct measurements of mass and volume. It is applicable for natural and
compacted material. The specific methods are as follows:
(a)

Method 2.1 - Small pouring cylinder (diameter 100 mm)

Fine to medium grained soil layers up to 150mm thick.

(b)

Method 2.2 - Large pouring cylinder (diameter 200 mm)

Fine to coarse-grained soil (granular sub base-crusher run) layers exceeding150mm, but not exceeding
250mm in thickness.

In-situ Test, Field CBR - BS1377: 1990, Part 9, Method 4.3

This Field CBR Test is similar to the laboratory CBR minus the laboratory compaction procedures. It is carried
out on in-situ compacted or natural ground in specified conditions as follows:
(a)

Test plunger on ground surface with mechanical hand jacking device mounted to a reaction load (lorry).

(b)

Test plunger on soil surface sampled at site in a cutter mould with mechanical hand jacking device
mounted to a portable test frame. In this situation, the test could be done on both top and bottom of
sample.

The field CBR results might include the determination of moisture content at the test area so that comparison
could be made the laboratory CBR results in terms of unsoaked and soaked moisture conditions.
Permeability
(a)

Constant Head Permeameter Cell - BS 1377: 1990, Part 5, Method 5

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This method is for non-cohesive soils having coefficients of permeability ranging from 10 to 10 m/s,
that is, medium to high permeability (good drainage condition). Examples: clean sands, sand and gravel
mixtures. The duration of testing is short and a considerable number of tests can be done in a day.
(b)

Falling Head Permeameter Cell - Manual of Soil laboratory Testing, Volume 2 - K.H.Head (1994),
Second Edition, Pentech Press London, Section 10.7.2
This test is not included in BS 1377: 1990, nor in ASTM Standards. This method is for cohesive soils
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having coefficients of permeability ranging from 10 to 10 m/s, that is, low and intermediate
permeability. Examples: fine sand, silt and clay. The duration of a test can vary up to 21 days or more.

(c)

Constant Head Triaxial Cell BS 1377: 1990, Part 6, Method 6

This test is a constant head test since a known effective stress and back pressures induce a constant
hydraulic gradient for water to flow through a cylindrical specimen of soil in a triaxial cell. The volume
change is measured over time to derive the coefficient of permeability, k. This method is suitable for soils
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of low and intermediate permeability ranging from 10 to 10 m/s. The duration of a test can vary from 2
to 7 days depending on material consolidation time before permeability stage.

Unconfined Compressive Strength of Rock Core ASTM D2938

The method covers the determination of unconfined compressive strength of intact cylindrical rock specimens. A
diameter 52mm core sample is prepared to the length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) of approximately 2.0 by cutting the
ends and grinding to the required perpendicularity. The weight and density of the test specimen is then
determined by linear measurements.

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Point Load Strength Index of Rock - ASTM D5731

1. International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), Suggested method for determining point load strength,
1972.
2. Australian Standard, AS 4133.4.1-1993: Method 4.1- Rock strength tests- Determination of point load strength
index.
3. Broch, E and Franklin, J.A., The point load strength test
The method covers the determination of quick point load strength index of unprepared rock specimens (cores,
block or irregular lump) in the field or laboratory. The portable point load apparatus consists of a small hydraulic
pump and ram, with a loading frame of maximum rigidity easily adjustable to test rock of different sizes. A rock
specimen is loaded between pointed platens of standard dimensions. The two quantities measured in the test
are the distance, D between platen contact points and the force, P, required to break the specimen, which is read
from a set of two load gauges (low range - 0 to 5.5kN and high range - 0 to 55 kN) in the hydraulic circuit. The
2
point load strength index, Is, is the ratio P/D . The weight and density of the test specimen is then determined by
linear measurements.
Rock samples containing sufficient material are selected for the required number of test specimens from each
domain of the rock mass for which point load strengths are required. Samples in the form of core are preferred
for more accurate strength classification. For routine testing, specimens shall be tested at close to their in-situ
moisture content. Loading rates shall be steadily and evenly applied such that failure is obtained 30 seconds to 3
minutes after commencement of loading. The test procedure varies with sample geometry and rock anisotropy.
Chemical Tests
Organic matter content. OM (%)
Mass loss on ignition, OM (%)
Total sulphate content, So3 (%)
Soluble sulphate content, SO3 (g/Litre)
5.5
Chloride content, Cl, (%)
pH value

- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 3

- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 4
- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 5.2 (soil-acid extract) & Method 5.5
- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 5.3 (2:1 water-soil extract) & Method
- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 7.2 (water-soluble)
- BS1377: 1990, Part 3, Method 9.5

Notes for Chemical tests

Organic matter content -

Soil preparation: Use soil dried at 50C and passing 2mm test sieve (assumed
material retained on 2mm will not contain organic matter). Subdivide sample to
100g and pulverise so that it passes the 425m test sieve. Subdivide 50g each
to check for sulphides and chlorides. Eliminate sulphides and/or chlorides if
indicated.
Testing: Weigh prepared soil (5g for soil low in organic content to as little as
0.2g with a very peaty soil) in a 500mL conical flask, to 0.001g accuracy. The
main standardised reagent solutions used for organic mater analysis are
potassium dichromate and ferrous sulphate.

Loss on ignition

Soil preparation: Suitable for soils containing 10% organic matter. Sample
oven dried at 502.5C, allowed to cool in a desiccator, passed through 2mm
test sieve (retained particles are crushed to pass), mixed thoroughly and divided
to produce a sample of at least 10 grams. Sample is pulverised and passed
through 425m test sieve for subdivision of test specimens each of 5 grams.
Test specimens are placed in prepared crucibles for drying in oven at 502.5C,
checked for original mass 0.1% difference after cooling in a desiccator at
specific time intervals before testing.
Testing: Proportion by mass loss from a soil by ignition (electric muffle furnace)
at a temperature of 44025C for a period of not less than 3 hours, or until
constant mass is achieved.

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Total sulphate content -

Soil preparation: Sample oven dried at 75C to 80C, passed through 2mm test
sieve to produce a sample aprox. 100 grams, pulverised and passed through
425m test sieve for mixed and divided test specimens each of 10 grams. Test
specimens in glass weighing bottles are placed in oven for drying at 75C,
checked for original mass 0.1% difference after cooling in a desiccator at
specific time intervals.
Testing: Gravimetric Method 5.5

Chloride content -

Soil preparation: Sample dried at 105C to 110C, passed through 2mm test
sieve (retained particles are crushed to pass) to produce a test specimen about
500 grams and a qualitative check test specimen about 50 grams. Test
specimens are dried in oven at 105C to 110C, checked for original mass
0.1% difference after cooling in a desiccator at specific time intervals.
Testing: Volhards Method 7.2

pH value -

Soil preparation: Sample air-dried by spreading out on a tray exposed to air at

room temperature, passed through 2mm test sieve (retained particles are
crushed to pass) mixed thoroughly and divided to produce a representative test
sample of 30 grams. Test specimen is placed in a 100mL beaker, 75mL of
distilled water added, suspension stirred for a few minutes, beaker covered with
a cover glass and allowed to stand for at least 8 hours (usually overnight).
Testing: Electrometric Method 9.5 (Hanna pHep HI98127)

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